Double Test for Twin Goals

ZIMBABWEAN PRESIDENT Robert Mugabe will not be in Abuja, he has not been invited after Zimbabwe was suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth. Nor will Gen Pervaiz Musharraf, now president of Pakistan. But human rights abuses in both countries will be on the agenda in Abuja.

A report from the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) will be presented to the heads of governments. But they can of course discuss Zimbabwe without reference to the CMAG report.

The human rights issues in Pakistan and Zimbabwe bring together civil society and government. And they put to immediate test the declared Commonwealth principles of promoting democracy and development.

The discussions have been given edge by the arrest of several trade union leaders in Harare. The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights has documented the arrests and made strong complaints over the violation of rights, capping the economic crisis and sharp deterioration in living standards.

The International Bar Association voiced concern over the arrest of hundreds of peaceful protesters, even though charges were later dropped. These complaints are being taken to governments directly. Civil society and human rights groups have also been hammering away at governments in recent weeks.

Abuja will be a test of the extent to which governments respond to these complaints.

Continued suspension of Zimbabwe and Pakistan will be the thorniest political agenda at CHOGM. It is an area also of prime concern to human rights organizations as they seek to make good governance synonymous with human rights.

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has urged the Commonwealth to remain firm in keeping Zimbabwe suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth. That kind of suspension means that the Pakistani and Zimbabwean flags will by flying at Abuja. And that’s about all. Suspension from the councils of the Commonwealth means that the two remain members but cannot participate as members.

How far heads of government go beyond mere statements in support of democracy and development will be indicated in good measure by positions they take on Pakistan and Zimbabwe. [end]